A STAGGERING amount of money was raised for the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital by a ‘full house’ of bingo players at Trethorne Hotel and Golf Club on Easter Monday.
The charity bingo raised a further £3,363.50, after the organisers raised £3,000 in November with a bingo at Launceston Town Hall, which enabled the league to buy a new hoist for the hospital.
The organisers’ first bingo for the League last year was held in memory of Hannah Channing’s grandfather Roy Heathman, and proved so popular people waiting patiently outside had to be turned away as the hall was full.
It was a similar story for the Easter Monday night bingo, with 230 people filling Trethorne Hotel and Golf Club. Hannah works at the hotel and golf club, and was asked if she could organise the charity bingo night at that venue.
Mike Davey not only allowed the venue to be used free of charge, but also generously gave a large cash donation to the cause.
Hannah’s manager, Chris Brewer, who also helped organise the event, expressed his huge thanks to those who attended the Easter bingo, adding: “So sorry for turning people away — we try our best to get as many in.
“Thank you to all that support and donated prizes and our two sponsors, AAA Vehicle Rental/Launceston Commercials and Trethorne Hotel and Golf Club. We hope to see you all at the next one.”
With hopes of raising around £2,000 this time around exceeded, the funds will help finish off the new minor injuries unit and physiotherapy departments at Launceston Hospital.
Thanks were expressed to all who supported in any way, including businesses that donated funds and raffle prizes, inclduing Launceston-based business Sureline Finishing who generously gave a cash donation to the organisers.
Hannah said: “My granddad spent the last four months of his life at the hospital. We got to be with him when he passed away. It’s a cause close to my heart.”
Reflecting on the thousands they have raised for the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital over the last six months, Hannah added: “We couldn’t have done it without all the supporters that turned up as well.”
Pam Parnell, chairman of the League of Friends, expressed her thanks to Hannah, Heidi and Chris for such a magnificent amount of money raised.
She said: “To those who sponsored them, gave raffle prizes and all who came to play. What a wonderful amount of money you all raised. We at the League of Friends have equipment on order for the minor injury unit, the wards and the physiotherapy department, so this will go a long way to paying for it, and I am sure benefit us all as patients.
“The League attended the hospital on Good Friday with an Easter card and egg for each patient, as well as providing hot cross buns and Easter cake. We wouldn’t be able to do any of these things without support from the likes of Hannah, Heidi and Chris and everyone in the community. Our most grateful thanks to you all, and hope for your continuing support.”